Global AK Awareness Day: Almirall Launches Second Annual ‘Hats On For AK’ Campaign and ‘Skin Scouts’ Initiative

Today, May 24, 2026, Almirall is celebrating the launch of the second edition of its Hats On For AK initiative, in recognition of Global AK Awareness Day.¹ The social media–driven awareness campaign is focused on actinic keratosis (AK), sun protection, and early detection of non-melanoma skin cancer. Co-founded in 2025, the campaign was developed as a collaborative effort involving patients, health care professionals, advocacy organizations, and the broader public to encourage conversations about AK and preventive skin care behaviors.

Focus on Prevention and Early Detection

Actinic keratosis is characterized by rough, scaly lesions that develop after long-term ultraviolet exposure and most commonly appear on chronically sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms, and hands. Untreated AK lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, underscoring the importance of early recognition and treatment.

“Actinic keratosis is one of the most common diagnoses made by dermatologists, yet it is too often underestimated, despite its potential to progress if left unchecked. That is why raising awareness remains so important – to encourage prevention, support early recognition, and help people seek timely advice from a healthcare professional,” Paul Rittman, President and General Manager of Almirall US, exclusively told Dermatology Times.

The campaign promotes simple preventive measures, including wearing hats and other sun-protective clothing, while also encouraging regular skin examinations and dermatology visits. To help increase public awareness about sun damage and early signs of AK, participants are invited to:

• Wear a hat
• Share a photo or video on social media
• Use the hashtags #HatsOnForAK, #GlobalAKDay, and #ActinicKeratosis

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Collaboration With The Skin Cancer Foundation

The 2026 initiative again supports the work of The Skin Cancer Foundation, which partners with the campaign to promote education surrounding sun-induced skin disease and skin cancer prevention. Almirall also announced its support at the organization’s Champions for Change Gala.

“It’s estimated that more than 58 million Americans have one or more actinic keratoses. Recent studies have shown that the risk of AKs developing into squamous cell carcinoma increases over time, from about 9 percent within four years to about 17 percent at 10 years of follow-up. Americans can do a lot to prevent AKs by adopting a comprehensive sun safety strategy that includes daily sunscreen use, seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, wearing sun-protective clothing and sunglasses and, of course, wearing a wide-brimmed hat”, said Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation.¹

MORE ON SKIN CANCER

New “Skin Scouts” Campaign Encourages Vigilance

In addition to Hats On For AK, Almirall announced the launch of a second global awareness initiative titled “Skin Scouts: Observe, Detect, Act!” The campaign will run online and across social media platforms and is intended to encourage individuals to monitor themselves and others for signs of sun damage. The initiative also aims to reinforce the importance of preventive dermatologic care and regular skin examinations.

“For dermatologists, prevention, vigilance, and early intervention remain central to the management of AKs,” Rittman reminded. “Regular skin checks and timely evaluation of suspicious lesions are essential, not only to manage visible actinic keratoses, but also to help reduce the risk of progression and support better long-term skin health.”

AK Remains Common but Often Underrecognized

Despite its prevalence and malignant potential, AK is still frequently underestimated. As Almirall emphasized. Clinicians continue to play an important role in patient education regarding early lesion identification and preventive strategies. Collaboration among clinicians, advocacy organizations, and patients is essential to improving awareness and supporting earlier intervention.

“Through Hats On For AK, we want to encourage simple, impactful actions – such as sun protection, awareness of signs of sun damage, and regular skin checks – that can make a meaningful difference in long-term skin health. As a co-founder of the initiative, Almirall is proud to work alongside our partners and the wider dermatology community to help promote prevention and early detection,” Rittman concluded.

For more information on the Hats On For AK campaign, visit The Skin Cancer Foundation’s AK information page.

Reference

1. Almirall continues partnership for second edition of the Hats On For AK initiative. News release. Almirall. Accessed May 24, 2026.